There’s loads at stake for the Congress’ DK Shivakumar within the Karnataka meeting elections. He is just not solely president of the get together’s state unit, but in addition one of many contenders for the chief minister’s place. Balancing his private ambition whereas taking rivals like Siddaramaiah alongside, in a state the place their coalition authorities with the Janata Dal (Secular) fell only a yr after formation in 2018, is a troublesome activity. But, in a dialog with HT, Shivakumar insists that his get together will win, and that this time there received’t be any want for allies.

A senior Bharatiya Janata Party chief lately advised me that whereas issues had been powerful for them earlier, there’s an actual battle now. Has the Congress marketing campaign stumbled?

When BJP leaders agreed that they’re within the battle now, meaning they’ve misplaced the battle.

What , in accordance with you is the largest benefit you get pleasure from towards them?

See our trump card is that they (the BJP) have misplaced the religion of the folks of Karnataka. One factor is corruption. They gave us the title as essentially the most corrupt state on this nation. If you go to purchase petrol, in the event you go to purchase greens, each day the costs are rising excessive. Incomes are coming down. So how do you handle this?

And since they aren’t in a position to talk to the those who they haven’t given them good governance, they’re pushing a communal agenda. That received’t work.

Communal agenda just like the hijab and love jihad controversies?

See if they’re focussed on governance, if they’re targeted on good administration, on progress, all these communal points wouldn’t have come. We have a look at improvement, which is why we have now come out with 5 ballot ensures now — for Kalyana Karnataka; for Kittur Karnataka; on irrigation; to each girl; and for unemployed youth. We are supporting them due to this inflation.

You don’t assume it is advisable be a bit extra aggressive taking over Hindutva?

Everyone loves their faith . But politicians or political get together mustn’t divide on caste foundation. We have a Constitution; we’re in a multicultural nation. We reside like brothers. All examine collectively, all work collectively, all reside collectively. See what they did for minorities. They eliminated the reservation and put it to a common class. Is it not unfair?

You’re primarily specializing in worth rise, corruption. So, the Adani controversy is just not that a lot of a difficulty?

People have a look at numerous different issues. As far as Karnataka is worried, we’re taking a look at native points, native governance, native administration. There isn’t any chief left within the BJP (right here). They’ve tried everybody, examined everybody. There is why they’re attempting to deliver the Prime Minister Narendra Modi right here. They eliminated BS Yediyurappa. First, they mentioned that they may run the election with (Basavaraj) Bommai because the face, now they’re saying Modiji. Modiji can’t run the federal government right here. It is native. We are taking a look at Kannadiga pleasure.

So Adani is just not a difficulty?.

No. That is just not a difficulty right here.

Still, it’s a must to acknowledge that Modi’s reputation transcends states

See, why they couldn’t do something in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. Karnataka, in fact, that they had a authorities. Why don’t they depend on their chief minister? When the federal government was working, they modified the chief minister. They couldn’t increase their ministers’ (council), increase the ministry. Why? Lot of infighting and corruption. We have determined to present a brand new clear authorities. We might be a authorities which can give a legislation in transparency towards corruption.

Changing the CM has been efficient for the BJP in Uttarakhand,Tripura,Gujarat. Why shouldn’t it work right here?

Here it has failed. They’ve admitted that they’ve misplaced the election. It doesn’t work right here as a result of already you see the assertion of the honourable Union dwelling minister. First he mentioned Mr Bommai will lead. Then he mentioned PM is the face. This is the large distinction.

But they may say even in your get together, there’s that downside of management.

Congress all the time has identical coverage — when there’s a chief minister, we go by his management. When there isn’t any chief minister, we go by collective management. That is the Congress technique. Rahul Gandhi made it very clear. We will go together with the collective management of Mr DK Shivakumar and Mr Siddaramaiah. So, each of us are working beneath the nationwide management.

And after the outcomes, in the event you win?

Party, will take a name on it as it’s a political course of.

Which sections of society is the Congress concentrating on?

We consider in all sections. We need each part to be protected. We don’t wish to discriminate towards anybody. For instance, some folks consider that Brahmins don’t vote for us however we gave six tickets to Brahmins (in 2018) and received 4. We consider each part is a voter class. Don’t underestimate them. All are essential, all of the communities.

But Lingayats historically haven’t gone with you

Earlier historically, sure. Now they’ve shifted. They really feel that Congress is best and may give a greater authorities.

Just due to BS Yediyurappa being eliminated?

That can also be a giant subject within the political house, no alternative was given. He couldn’t be part of the federal government, he couldn’t change into an MLC, he was not allowed to contest an election. Internally there are lot of issues, about it.

My relationship with Lingayat group is totally different. Whether it’s backward or scheduled or Basavanna (Lingayat reformer). Congress’ structure can also be hooked up to Basavanna’s philosophy. Rahul Gandhi additionally went to so many mutts. He took deeksha of Lingayat leaders.

One of the important thing elements on this election appears to be whether or not the JD(S) vote falls or not

I received’t say they’ve collapsed. They are a political get together, the place quantity and share will differ. What numbers they need, they might not get. They received their numbers final time (37 out of 224) and we gave them help. According to me, this time I don’t assume they’ll have the quantity that that they had. They could have a quantity however not a giant quantity

And who will achieve from that?

Congress will achieve. I’m positive about that. Vokkaliga belt is between Congress and JD(S), BJP can’t make any inroads there.

Do you assume the door utterly closed for a post-poll alliance with JD(S)?

I don’t assume that scenario will come up. The folks of Karnataka are mature. They need a mandate for change. We are very assured we could have an absolute majority which can contact 141 seats. People have already seen that the experiment of coalition has failed.

Since 2019 elections, a giant subject has been corruption. The BJP retains saying have a look at the Congress, they’re all corrupt. They’re saying Rahul Gandhi is now convicted. DK Shivkumar is concerned in a case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.

When I got here out of jail, you see lots of individuals got here out in a rally. Thousands of individuals waited like six hours to succeed in the Congress workplace. That is the love. They know that no matter that is,it’s a political motion. They are utilizing all these businesses.

Why aren’t we seeing these crowds of help, in protest towards Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification?

It has occurred. Quite a lot of protests have occurred.

Are there no inner issues in your get together?

My get together, we’re all united. Ultimately what has occurred (prior to now) has occurred. Now the get together is united.

You admit that you simply wish to be CM?

Everyone ought to have some ambition. My ambition is first, bringing the Congress to energy. Rest we go away to the get together head.

Under my management, I used to be given this chance and the get together was in disaster. We have constructed it in a really optimistic approach. Let us deal with Karnataka. For a change on this nation, (successful) Karnataka is a should.